Abroad Arrivals

Hailing from across the globe, the largest group of international students in HWS history arrived in Geneva on Monday, Aug. 25.

From Sweden to Jordan, the Netherlands to China, over 20 international students will join the Classes of 2012 this fall. After having a day to settle in, the students were welcomed to campus on Tuesday morning with a breakfast reception and a chance to meet orientation coordinators Alexandra Bowers ’09 and Brendan Csaposs ’09.

“We’re really excited to have so many international students here this year! I think they definitely have a lot to offer on campus,” said Csaposs.

After the welcoming reception, students had a chance to tour campus for the first time followed by a lunch hosted by the Center for Global Education.

The students have a variety of reasons for studying abroad – for some, it’s their first time in the U.S. For others, it’s a chance to return to the States after moving to a foreign country when they were young. But for all, it’s an exciting opportunity, and the excitement is written across their faces.

For Chuan “Jenny” Wu, who decided to come to HWS from China, the liberal arts education was the biggest draw. “I’m interested in taking both art classes and science classes, and I’m able to do that here,” Wu said.

Over the course of their orientation, students will have the chance to get acquainted with campus and hear presentations from different offices on campus. On Wednesday, the international students had lunch with the deans of the Colleges at Houghton House and on the final night of their orientation, the students are invited to a Welcome Dinner with President Mark D. Gearan and his family at the President’s House.

Alejandra Molina, Director of Intercultural Affairs, is just as excited as the students. “I’m so happy that the new students are here,” Molina said. “This is historic – it’s the largest group of international students we’ve ever had at HWS. It gives us great momentum to strengthen our international students program and continue to grow and improve.”